GB 50034-2013, officially titled "Standard for Lighting Design of Buildings" (formerly GB 50034-2004), is China's primary indoor lighting design code.
Introduction
GB 50034-2013, officially titled "Standard for Lighting Design of Buildings" (formerly GB 50034-2004), is China's primary indoor lighting design code. It sets mandatory minimum requirements for illuminance, color rendering (CRI), color temperature (CCT), lighting power density (LPD), and glare control across all building types including offices, schools, hospitals, factories, commercial spaces, and residential buildings. Compliance with GB 50034 is legally required for all new building construction and major renovation projects in China, as it is incorporated into the national building code system.
The standard is managed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MOHURD) of China. Unlike product standards such as GB 7000.1 (luminaire safety) or GB 17945 (emergency lighting), GB 50034 is a design standard — it defines what lighting performance must be achieved in a completed building space, not how individual luminaires must be constructed.
Scope and Applicability
GB 50034-2013 applies to the following building categories (with mandatory compliance levels):
| Building Type | Mandatory Compliance | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Office buildings | Full compliance required | Task lighting + ambient lighting zones must be designed separately |
| Commercial retail spaces | Full compliance required | Display lighting exempt from LPD limits (up to 30% of total load) |
| Educational buildings (schools, universities) | Full compliance required | Classroom blackboard lighting: vertical illuminance ≥ 300 lx |
| Hospitals and clinics | Full compliance required | Operating rooms: ≥ 750 lx, CRI ≥ 90, CCT 4000–5000 K |
| Industrial and factory buildings | Full compliance required | Fine assembly: ≥ 500 lx, general assembly: ≥ 300 lx |
| Residential buildings | Recommended (not mandatory)* | Living room: 100 lx, kitchen: 150 lx at worktop |
| Hotel and hospitality | Full compliance required | Guest rooms: 50 lx (general), 300 lx (desk) |
*Residential buildings are required to follow GB 50034 for common areas (lobbies, corridors, stairwells) but not for individual dwelling units. However, many local building codes now mandate GB 50034 compliance for all residential interiors as well.
Illuminance Requirements
Recommended Illuminance Values by Space Type
The standard defines target illuminance values on the working plane (0.75 m height for seated tasks, 0.85 m for standing tasks) with allowable tolerance of -10% to +20%:
| Space/Activity | Target Illuminance (lx) | Reference Plane Height | Uniformity (U0) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General office (open plan) | 300–500 | 0.75 m | ≥ 0.7 |
| Private office / meeting room | 300 | 0.75 m | ≥ 0.6 |
| Classroom (desk surface) | 300 | 0.75 m | ≥ 0.7 |
| Classroom (blackboard) | 500 (vertical) | Blackboard surface | ≥ 0.8 |
| Hospital ward (general) | 100 | 0.75 m | ≥ 0.6 |
| Hospital examination room | 500 | 0.75 m | ≥ 0.7 |
| Retail store (general area) | 300 | 0.75 m | ≥ 0.6 |
| Retail store (fitting room) | 200 | 0.75 m | ≥ 0.6 |
| Factory (fine assembly, < 0.1 mm precision) | 750–1000 | 0.85 m | ≥ 0.7 |
| Factory (general assembly) | 300 | 0.85 m | ≥ 0.6 |
| Restaurant dining area | 150–200 | Table surface (0.75 m) | ≥ 0.6 |
| Corridor (daytime) | 100 | Floor level | ≥ 0.4 |
| Corridor (nighttime) | 30 | Floor level | ≥ 0.4 |
Color Rendering (CRI) Requirements
GB 50034 mandates minimum color rendering index (Ra) values based on the space function, which are generally more demanding than international standards for certain applications:
| Space Type | Minimum Ra (GB 50034) | Minimum Ra (EU EN 12464-1) | Recommended CCT Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offices, classrooms, libraries | Ra ≥ 80 | Ra ≥ 80 | 3300–5300 K |
| Operating rooms, dental clinics | Ra ≥ 90 | Ra ≥ 90 | 4000–5000 K |
| Retail stores (fashion, cosmetics) | Ra ≥ 90 | Ra ≥ 80 | 2700–4000 K |
| Art galleries, museums | Ra ≥ 90 (R9 ≥ 50) | Ra ≥ 90 | 3000–4000 K |
| Restaurant dining (fine dining) | Ra ≥ 80 | Ra ≥ 80 | 2700–3300 K |
| Residential (general living) | Ra ≥ 80 | Ra ≥ 80 | 2700–4000 K |
| Industrial inspection areas | Ra ≥ 80 | Ra ≥ 80 | 4000–6500 K |
| Vehicle manufacturing paint inspection | Ra ≥ 90 (R9 ≥ 60, R15 ≥ 90) | Ra ≥ 90 | 5000–6500 K |
The standard also specifies that for color-critical tasks (textile inspection, printing, paint matching), the R9 (deep red saturation) value must be declared and should be ≥ 50. This is stricter than the general EU requirement where Ra ≥ 80 is sufficient without R9 specification.
Lighting Power Density (LPD) Limits
GB 50034 sets maximum power density limits (W/m²) for different space types, which are enforced by local construction inspection authorities:
| Space Type | Current LPD Limit (W/m²) | Target LPD for High-Performance (W/m²) | Typical LED Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office (general) | ≤ 9.0 | ≤ 6.0 | LED panel 36 W for 600×600 mm, 3000 lm, 83 lm/W |
| Office (high-end/executive) | ≤ 13.5 | ≤ 9.0 | LED panel 40 W + accent lighting 10 W |
| Classroom | ≤ 9.0 | ≤ 6.0 | LED troffer 36 W, 3200 lm, 4000 K, Ra ≥ 90 |
| Hospital ward | ≤ 6.0 | ≤ 4.0 | LED ceiling luminaire 24 W, 2000 lm, 4000 K |
| Retail (general) | ≤ 12.0 | ≤ 8.0 | LED track + panel, dimmable, occupancy-controlled |
| Factory (general manufacturing) | ≤ 12.0 | ≤ 8.0 | LED high-bay 100 W, 15000 lm, 150 lm/W |
| Factory (precision manufacturing) | ≤ 18.0 | ≤ 13.0 | LED high-bay 150 W + task lighting |
| Restaurant dining area | ≤ 9.0 | ≤ 6.0 | LED downlights 12 W each, dimmable to 10% |
| Hotel lobby | ≤ 15.0 | ≤ 10.0 | Decorative LED + cove lighting, DALI-controlled |
| Corridor (commercial building) | ≤ 5.0 | ≤ 3.5 | LED downlight 8 W, spaced 4 m apart |
LPD is calculated at the building permit stage and verified during commissioning. If the installed lighting exceeds the LPD limit, the building inspection authority can require rework before issuing a completion certificate. The "Target LPD" column represents the voluntary higher-performance tier that qualifies for green building certification (China Green Building Label, equivalent to LEED).
Glare Control (UGR)
GB 50034 adopts the Unified Glare Rating (UGR) system from CIE 117. The maximum UGR values are mandatory for the following spaces:
| Space Type | Maximum UGR (GB 50034) | Maximum UGR (EU EN 12464-1) |
|---|---|---|
| Office (VDU work) | ≤ 19 | ≤ 19 |
| Classroom (general) | ≤ 19 | ≤ 19 |
| Library reading room | ≤ 19 | ≤ 19 |
| Hospital ward | ≤ 19 | ≤ 19 |
| Precision manufacturing | ≤ 16 | ≤ 16 |
| Retail store | ≤ 22 | ≤ 22 |
| General industrial hall | ≤ 25 | ≤ 25 |
To achieve UGR ≤ 19, luminaires must have shielding angles of at least 30° (60° crosswise) per GB/T 9468, and the luminance of the luminaire surface should not exceed 3500 cd/m² at 65° viewing angle. LED panels with micro-prismatic diffusers (rather than opal diffusers) achieve UGR ≤ 19 more consistently because they control the beam distribution to reduce high-angle luminance.
Color Temperature (CCT) Recommendations
GB 50034 provides recommended CCT ranges by space function but does not make CCT mandatory (except for medical spaces). The recommendations follow the Kruithof curve principle:
- Low CCT (2700–3300 K): Recommended for spaces requiring visual relaxation — hotel guest rooms, restaurant dining areas, residential bedrooms, lounge areas.
- Medium CCT (3300–5300 K): General work environments — offices, classrooms, retail general areas, hospital wards, libraries.
- High CCT (5300–6500 K): High-concentration tasks — precision assembly lines, laboratories, inspection stations, dermatology examination rooms.
Notably, GB 50034 recommends CCT ≤ 4000 K for nighttime environments and CCT ≥ 4000 K for daytime spaces. Tunable white lighting (2700–6500 K adjustable) is encouraged for circadian rhythm support in spaces occupied for more than 8 hours consecutively.
Daylight Integration Requirements
GB 50034 also mandates minimum daylight utilization requirements:
- In spaces with windows, the daylight factor (DF) at the working plane must be ≥ 2% for side-lit rooms at a depth no greater than 2.5 times the window head height.
- Lighting zones within 5 m of windows must have separate switching or dimming controls (daylight harvesting).
- Photocell-controlled dimming must reduce luminaire output to ≤ 30% when daylight contribution exceeds 500 lx on the working plane. The step-dimming control must have at least 3 steps (100%, 66%, 33%).
- Continuous dimming systems must have a dimming range from 100% to 10% with ≤ 5% flicker at all dimming levels (measured per IEC TR 61547-1).
GB 50034 vs. International Standards
| Parameter | GB 50034 (China) | EN 12464-1 (EU) | IESNA RP-1 (USA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office illuminance | 300–500 lx | 500 lx | 300–500 lx |
| Office LPD limit | ≤ 9.0 W/m² | No mandatory LPD (EN 15193) | ≤ 9.6 W/m² (ASHRAE 90.1) |
| Office CRI minimum | Ra ≥ 80 | Ra ≥ 80 | Ra ≥ 80 |
| Classroom blackboard | 500 lx vertical | 500 lx vertical | 500 lx vertical |
| LPD calculation method | W/m² per space | W/m²/100 lx (LEB) | W/m² (space-by-space) or W/m² (building area) |
| UGR for offices | ≤ 19 | ≤ 19 | Not mandatory (VCP method) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is GB 50034 compliance required for lighting retrofit projects, or only new construction?
GB 50034 is mandatory for new construction and major renovations (where the entire lighting system is replaced). For minor retrofits (replacing lamps only while keeping the luminaires), compliance is recommended but not legally required. However, many local governments (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen) have passed additional regulations requiring all commercial lighting retrofits to meet the LPD limits, regardless of scope. Always check the local building code implementation rules.
Q: Can I exceed the LPD limit if I use energy recovery or renewable energy for my lighting?
No. LPD is a pure limit on connected load per unit area, regardless of energy source. Even if the lighting is entirely solar-powered, the LPD limit still applies. The rationale is that LPD limits ensure the electrical infrastructure (wiring, switchgear, transformers) is sized appropriately, and that the lighting design is inherently efficient rather than relying on offsets.
Q: How is the UGR calculated during the design stage?
UGR calculation per CIE 117 uses the formula: UGR = 8 log10 [ (0.25/Lb) × Σ (L²ω / p²) ], where Lb is background luminance (cd/m²), L is luminaire luminance (cd/m²), ω is solid angle (sr), and p is Guth position index. In practice, designers use UGR calculator software (DIALux, Relux, AGi32) which tabulates the UGR for standard luminaire layouts. A product data sheet should provide a declared UGR value for standard room geometries (4H/8H, 2H ceiling height).
Q: What CCT should I specify for a Chinese office building to meet GB 50034?
The recommended range is 3300–5300 K. Most Chinese office projects specify 4000 K (neutral white) as it provides good visual acuity (contrast perception peaks around 4000–4500 K) and complies with circadian lighting guidelines. If the office has significant daylight contribution (DF > 3%), using 5000 K luminaires helps match the correlated color temperature of daylight, reducing visual adaptation strain.
Q: Does GB 50034 require dimming in all spaces?
No. Dimming is required only in specific cases: (1) spaces with daylight zones (within 5 m of windows), (2) hotel guest rooms (dimmable down to 20%), (3) meeting rooms with video projection (dimmable down to 5%), (4) surgical theatres (dimmable down to 1%). For general office spaces, stepped switching (each luminaire switched in groups of no more than 3) is the minimum requirement. Continuous dimming is recommended but not mandatory.
Q: How are the illuminance measurements verified during building commissioning?
The verification procedure per GB/T 5700 (Illuminance Measurement Methods) specifies: (1) use a Class A or Class B luxmeter with cosine correction, calibrated within the last 12 months, (2) measure at the reference plane height (0.75 m for seated areas), (3) take measurements on a grid of points spaced no more than 2 m apart (minimum 4 points), (4) ensure measurement points are at least 0.5 m from walls, (5) measure after lamps have been on for at least 30 minutes (to reach thermal equilibrium), (6) record the average, minimum, and maximum values. The measured average illuminance must be within -10% to +20% of the design target.
Q: What is the penalty for non-compliance with GB 50034?
Non-compliance can result in: denial of the building completion certificate (zhengshu), a fine of 1–3% of the lighting installation cost (per MOHURD regulations), and requirement to redesign and reinstall the lighting system within 90 days. For public buildings, the building owner is liable, not the electrical contractor. For ongoing compliance, building owners must maintain illuminance at ≥ 80% of the design value throughout the building's life.
Specifications Summary
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Number | GB 50034-2013 |
| Full Title | Standard for Lighting Design of Buildings |
| Effective Date | June 1, 2014 (current); 2025 revision consultation ongoing |
| Managing Authority | MOHURD (Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development) |
| Office Illuminance | 300–500 lx |
| Office LPD Limit | ≤ 9.0 W/m² |
| Minimum CRI | Ra ≥ 80 (general), Ra ≥ 90 (medical/color-critical) |
| Maximum UGR | ≤ 19 (office/classroom), ≤ 22 (retail), ≤ 25 (industrial) |
| Daylight Harvesting | Required within 5 m of windows |
Related Products & Suppliers
- LED Panel Lights for Offices — UGR ≤ 19, Ra ≥ 80, LPD-compliant LED panels, 600×600 mm
- GB 17945 Emergency Lighting Standard — Emergency lighting requirements complementing GB 50034
- Color Temperature (CCT) Guide — Select the right CCT per GB 50034 recommendations
- CE Marking for Lighting (EU) — Compare Chinese and European lighting design requirements
- LED Flickering Causes and Fixes — Ensure flicker-free dimming per GB 50034 requirements
Sources: GB 50034-2013 "Standard for Lighting Design of Buildings," GB/T 5700-2008 "Illuminance Measurement Methods," GB/T 9468-2008 "Luminaires — General Requirements and Tests," EN 12464-1:2021 "Light and Lighting — Lighting of Workplaces — Part 1: Indoor Workplaces," CIE 117-1995 "Discomfort Glare in Interior Lighting," ASHRAE 90.1-2022 "Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings"
Disclaimer: This article is for reference only. Consult a licensed electrical engineer and verify local building code implementation rules for compliance.
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- GB 7000.1-2015 — China National Standard: Luminaires general requirements
- GB 50034-2013 — China National Standard: Standard for lighting design of buildings
- EU Regulation 2019/2020 — Ecodesign requirements for light sources
- AS/NZS 60598.1:2017 — Australian/New Zealand Standard for Luminaires
These standards and reports are cited as authoritative references. Specifications may vary by region and product version.